This margarita is a combination of cranberry and fresh mandarin juice that somehow became known as my signature margarita. I make this margarita recipe all the time for any kind of get together or holiday. Even my kids birthday party. I add sugared cranberries but only during Christmas.
So it all started after my son was born and we began hosting holidays and parties at our house. My dad would come over and instead of the usual beer or wine that I’d serve, he would ask for a margarita. Being the cocktail blogger/bartender that I am, I always agreed to make him a margarita. I always have the basics for a margarita on hand- tequila, triple sec, and lime juice but I didn’t always have a simple syrup or an agave or some kind of pre made margarita mix(which I very seldom use anyway, only in a pinch or when I sometimes crave that kind of drink). What I did have on hand were fresh mandarins that I wanted to use and some cranberry juice. So I threw it all together and created this tasty little margarita for my dad. And soon other people at the party/holiday get together were all like “hey, can I try one of those margaritas?”
Now when I say holidays and get togethers, I mean basically anytime. Easter, birthday parties, Thanksgiving, and especially Christmas when I add the sugared cranberries. Because the sugared cranberries are what make the drink so festive and cute.
One year on Thanksgiving I tried to be extra prepared so I made a pitcher of my signature margaritas. And in true Lisa fashion I was in a hurry and not quite paying attention to what I was doing- or measuring I should say- and the pitcher of margaritas was so strong that after a 1/2 glass, everyone was smashed. They were really good but man oh man were they strong.
My signature margarita
(serves 1)
2 oz tequila
1 oz triple sec
1 oz homemade sour mix
1 oz fresh mandarin juice
1 oz cranberry juice
1 tsp fresh lime juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and pour into a glass. Top with sugared cranberries (optional).
Homemade sour mix- in a small saucepan over medium low heat combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar. Bring to a simmer and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup lime juice. Stir and let cool. Keep refrigerated.
Sugared cranberries- combine 1/2 cup whole cranberries with 1 TBL of lime juice. Toss together and drain. Then toss the cranberries with 2 TBL sugar and let dry. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
The perfect cocktail for Christmas but also great for any occasion all year long.